Wiscasset High School students voted social studies teacher MaryEllen Bell as their “Teacher of the Quarter.” Sponsored by the WHS Student Council, this selection of outstanding teachers has been done for the past six years at the school. It gives students the opportunity to recognize a teacher who has made a significant difference in their high school learning experience.

Below are a few of the things the kids said about Bell on the ballots:

“This teacher is someone who listens to students and really hears their point of view!"

“Being honest and straight forward is the way this teacher acts!"

“This teacher makes class really interesting!"

“This teacher likes to have discussions and, best of all, likes the same kind of books as me!”

Bell attended high school in Nairobi, Kenya during her freshman year and graduated from Westtown High School in Pennsylvania. She earned a bachelor's degree in Asian studies from Bates College and her master's of arts in teaching from the University of New Hampshire. Bell also attended training at Brown University to use CHOICES curriculum materials in her classes. 

This summer, she is planning to attend training focused on the use of primary documents at the Library of Congress. In addition to teaching at WHS, Bell is involved as an adviser to this year's senior class and a member of the WHS MELMAC Planning Team, which works with the MELMAC Education Foundation to create and enhance college access programs for students here in Maine. 

When she is not teaching, Bell enjoys reading, cross cultural travel, storytelling, oral history, outdoor activities and her family.